Austin 7 Ruby

Austin 7 Ruby

Specs Mentioned:

Make/ Model – Austin 7 Ruby (1927)

Engine – 747cc , Side-valve, watercooled four stroke, reciprocating piston type with 4 cylinders, pressure lubricated crankshaft, aluminium crankcase and cast iron cylinder block and head

Power – 17hp

The Austin 7 was a city car manufactured by the British company Austin from 1922 until 1939. Affectionately known as the ‘Baby Austin’, it was one of the most popular cars ever produced in Britain. Herbert Austin was inspired to create a small affordable car to compete with the motorcycle-sidecar combinations that were popular with returning servicemen after World War One.
The detailed drawing skills and mechanical expertise of Stanley Edge were used to create the prototype and he was also responsible for the design of the mechanical components, such as the four-cylinder engine. The first Austin 7 went on sale in 1922 for £225 and was regarded as the first affordable car for many who had never owned a motor before. With its small frame, large thin wheels, and lightweight body, the 7 quickly took control of the market, becoming Britain’s answer to the ‘Model T’. The Austin 7 was licensed and copied by other car companies across the world, for example, Germany used the Austin 7 design to create the first BMW, the BMW Dixi, in 1927. Over 290,000 cars and vans were made during the years of production in various body styles, such as the Austin 7 Box Saloon and the Austin 7 Pearl Cabriolet.